What I learnt from the earthquake

Alhamdulilah, I don’t think we can be grateful enough to Allah for making us human and for creating everything on this earth for us.

"Khalaqa lakum ma fil ardi jami’a…" "It is He Who created for you all that is in the earth…." – Qur’an 2: 29
"Fabi ai-yi aalaai rubi kuma tukazibaan" "so which of the favours of your Lord with you both deny" Qur’an surah 55.

All we need to do is look around and observe how we are surrounded by Allah’s blessings and bounties that are beneficial and a lesson in itself.
Imagine the sense of peace, which overtakes our mind and heart, around breathtaking beauty of Banff or other awe-inspiring places.
Imagine the magnificence of gigantic lush mountains.
Imagine the sound of a gushing river.
Imagine the serenity of a lake.
Imagine the twinkle that scattered glittering stars bring to your mind.
Imagine the excitement that flows within when you see pretty flowers and exotic plants.
Imagine the joy that comes with dancing peacocks, fish gliding through the sear so effortlessly.
Imagine the rejuvenating smell of rain on fresh cut grass.

But the question is what is it about nature that uplifts our spirits? After a lot of contemplation the thought that sticks out is that all these creations of Allah, in their own realm, are engrossed in their designated tasks glorifying Allah. Ever wondered how if any of these peaceful creations crosses over their domain chaos and terror breaks out. For example the recent earthquake? The Tsunami? Land slide? Stars that break and fall on earth? If the mountains start moving, volcanoes?

Nature is an ayah (sign) of Allah and in these signs he has lessons for us. One of the lessons to be learnt from the recent world events is the domain of creations. If we as humans stay within our boundaries set by Allah and live our life according to the manual He provided for us, Qur’an, like the rest of the creations we can also be a basis of peace, delight and harmony for the world. On the other hand if we cross our limits and instead of taking care of other’s rights we oppress and terrorize them then like other creations we become the cause of horror.

Forget criminals, lets talk about regular normal looking everyday citizens. How can we become a basis of horror for people? Why do we turn into problems for everyone instead of bringing joy to their lives? By not observing the "deen" "way of life" set by Allah: simple everyday things such as not controlling our tongue leads to broken hearts and hurt loved ones. Allah has made this world in such a manner that we can’t live without each other, every individual needs someone else at some point or another therefor it is essential for us to take care of ‘huqooq al e’bad" "Rights of people" along with "Huqooq Allah" "Allah’s rights"…..

Remember that Allah exceeds in knowledge and wisdom anyone and anything we know.

Ok enough of my rambling, I promise I didn't intend on having an online halaqa. Just the chaotic scenes of terrified and grieved people on Pakistani channels triggered some thoughts…